Why I’m a Singing Mom

If you were to eavesdrop on my household at random times throughout the day, it’s likely you would hear me singing more than once. This isn’t because I’m particularly fond of singing and it’s certainly not because I’m gifted at it.

I began singing to my children before they were born. When I was pregnant with my first, I would sit in the rocking chair each afternoon and sing the words of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” a song that embodied my developing child’s story. Once she was born, I began singing her this song before bed each night. (I’ve also done this with my second child, though the hymn I sing to her is “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”)

As the weeks passed after the birth of my first child, I began singing more and more. Now both of my girls hear me singing songs several times each day.

I wake them in the morning by singing the words of Psalm 92:1-2: “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night…”

While I dress them in the morning I sing songs to focus our day on Jesus.

After I read a Bible story to them, we sing one or more Bible verses set to music. Though there are several sources for these, we usually use those created by Seeds Family Worship.

We sing the alphabet, songs about numbers, songs about animals, etc. to help my girls learn basic concepts that will help them as they continue learning.

When my hands are occupied with cooking or cleaning and my younger girl starts fussing, I sing songs to capture her attention and cheer her until I’m free to pick her up.

I think you get the idea. I sing to my kids from dawn ‘til dusk. I do this because I have found it to be beneficial to them.

Singing calms them. In one study of stressful situations, researchers found that babies listening to music remained calm twice as long as babies listening to speech. In another study, listening to singing reduced cortisol levels (a stress hormone) in neonates.

Singing promotes smooth transitions. Young children feel secure when life is predictable. Singing during transitions (e.g., waking up, going to bed, cleaning up) and other routine activities helps them know what comes next.

Singing promotes language development. Songs introduce new words to children. Their language comprehension and vocabulary can increase as we sing to them about a variety of topics.

Singing builds bonds. Young kids love hearing the voices of their parents. When we sing, it is enjoyable to our kids and it gives them a chance to hear the most important voices in their lives. As our kids sing with us and sing with each other, it strengthens their sense of belonging.

Singing is fun. Singing is a great way to play! Whether it is finger plays or karaoke, singing is a fun way to pass the time.

Singing builds listening skills. Our kids listen when we sing. This helps them learn to pause and process what they are hearing.

Singing promotes learning. Listening to singing helps babies learn to focus attention, a skill necessary for learning. Moreover, researchers have found that music helps improve memory.

Isn’t this amazing? Something as simple as singing can have all these positive impacts.

Do you sing to your young kids? In what ways have you seen this benefit them?

Reader Interactions

Comments

I think it is important to know that it doesn’t have to be a traditional song. It may never be heard again. But your kids still get everything you mentioned if you just make up a song as you go along. “Now it’s time to change or clothes. Then we will pick up our toys. When we’re done we’ll have a snack and then we’ll go for a walk. ” can be sung. This one can also teach sequencing. Is all in the way it’s presented .

Wow, these benefits are all so cool! I sing to my little guy a lot, so it’s neat hearing that there are scientific perks to this! Sometimes I sing religious songs, other times I’ll sing stuff from Broadway musicals or just sing about what we’re doing. Not only does it help him be calm, but it helps me to be lighthearted and calm, too!

HAHA…I am a singer also, although most folks would rather me NOT sing! Can’t carry a tune in a bucket but I go around the house singing and making up silly little songs to share with the grandkids and the pets!

I enjoyed your post. I also sang to my little ones. Each a different song. I know another advantage of music or singing is that it can change our mood and get our eyes off our self. If I am feeling down I can start singing or put some good music on and my mood always improves.

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